Late War Italy keeps getting weirder in the best way. German forces are now stealing the spotlight with “captured” Italian armor.
However, these are not just novelty tanks. Instead, the Semovente options add real character and useful list-building tricks. This is a summary of a community post found here.
Looted Italian Assault Guns Give German Forces New Tools
The article digs into German use of Italian Semovente assault guns after the September 1943 Armistice. German forces took over production in northern Italy and pressed these vehicles into service quickly. They helped refill battered Sturmgeschütz brigades and replaced Marders in some infantry division Panzerjäger companies. Also, a full Sturmgeschütz Brigade could reach around 33 assault guns. The four German designations cover several useful battlefield roles. The Sturmgeschütz M42 75/18 850(i) was the original M14/41-based Semovente, with 132 captured and 55 built later. Meanwhile, the M42 75/34 851(i) upgraded the design with the P40’s 75/34 gun. The M43 105/25 853(i), nicknamed Bassotto or Dachshund, brought a low profile, 105mm gun, and 75mm frontal armor. However, it could be mechanically unreliable despite being well liked. Finally, the M43 75/34 851(i) served as a tank destroyer, sometimes using the stronger 75/46 gun.
On the table, these vehicles form the German Looted StuG Assault Gun Company. The formation includes an HQ, up to three assault gun platoons, and attached infantry.
That makes it flexible enough for attack or defense. The author especially likes pairing it with artillery and Fallschirmjäger when pushing objectives. Meanwhile, cheaper Static Defence Grenadiers can hold ground. The HQ can choose either M42 or M43 types, which helps shape the formation. The M42 short 75mm is cheaper, but struggles against heavier Allied armor.
However, the upgraded 75mm version looks like a handy ambush piece with AT10, 28-inch range, and Stormtrooper access. The M43 is the real threat, especially with its brutal 105mm gun. Its re-roll successful saves effect and 2+ Firepower make dug-in teams sweat.
The sample lists show two directions. One uses M43s, Wespes, Fallschirmjäger, Scouts, Elefant support, and Lucky to assault an objective.
The other echoes 26th Panzer Division with cheaper M42s, Panzergrenadiers, mortars, Grilles, Nebelwerfers, and Semovente 90/53 support. That 90/53 has poor armor, but AT14, 40-inch range, Veteran skill, and Stormtrooper make it dangerous.
Finally, the article notes that the Late War Italy book also unlocks Mid War Operation Husky lists in Forces of War.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, these looted assault guns bring excellent Italy theater flavor. They also revive that older-edition feeling of rich, oddball German options.
